Eighth Grade Parent Information Night

The transition from middle school to high school can be the most exciting and the most challenging time in a student’s school life. The Marcellus Central School District took the first step in enhancing the success of that transition as Marcellus Senior High School (MSHS) in conjunction with Driver Middle School(DMS) held the annual 8th Grade Parent Information night on January 11, 2011 in the Groeling Auditorium. John Durkee, MSHS Principal, welcomed parents and students to the evening presentation as he stated, “Tonight we are here to begin our partnership, built on communication and dedicated to the goal of preparing our students to be successful for life after high school.” Durkee reviewed data relative to student achievement and then introduced the information night goals:
Introduce the courses and sequences that are offered at the high school
Begin the dialogue for the selection process that will put students on the path to success
Dr. Tice, Superintendent of Schools, followed Durkee, and shared that “tonight I am down in the audience with all of you as my daughter will be entering the high school in September.” Tice also asked for help from the community “as the district faces the challenges of hard economic times and budget choices.” He asked parents to fill out the survey that will be included in the District’s January newsletter. Information gathered from the survey will be used by the Board of Education as they formulate the 2011-2012 school budget. Katie Battaglia, MSHS Guidance Counselor, was the next to speak as she highlighted New York State Regents Diploma Graduation Requirements as well as the requirements for a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and Honors. Battaglia also spotlighted the opportunities that MSHS offers for students to “challenge” themselves. Among those opportunities were Advanced Placement (AP) courses, SUPA courses, and Honors courses. Battaglia introduced Driver Middle School Guidance Counselor Alan Wing who explained that, “My job is to explain the scheduling process. We want to make sure that everyone, student and parent alike, are comfortable as they enter the high school.” Wing also shared the process for the transition from middle school to high school which includes:
Guidance Counselor Alan Wing and Intern Meghan Burke meet with 8th grade students during science classes to explain the scheduling process
Wing and Burke meet with individual students to set up tentative 9th grade schedules as well as 10th and 11th grade options using the Naviance program
Wing and Burke meet with parents and students (35-40 minute meeting) to finalize the 9th grade schedule
Students attend 9th grade orientation during the summer
Meghan Burke, DMS guidance intern, demonstrated the Naviance computer program for parents and also explained that in addition to high school scheduling the Naviance program will be used throughout high school for both college and career choices. Among the other items covered at the Eighth Grade Parent Information Night were sequencing options for achieving the various diploma requirements, fine arts requirements, and technology opportunities. Michael Dardaris brought the informative evening to a close as he shared, “I am absolutely confident and comfortable sending this group of 8th graders to the high school, the passion and expertise of the high school faculty is so impressive.” Dardaris also reminded students and parents that “the way we finish out the year will set us for the beginning of the next school year.” He urged everyone to “stay focused and finish strong.”